Our user research and experience design studio The Geekettez GbR has been working since autumn 2023, together with Claudius Brodman, on the user experience and visual layout of the GrowFlowFly research project, a joint project of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), RWTH Aachen University (RWTH) and aratall GmbH.
Citizen participation through gamification: the innovative approach of the GrowFlowFly project
The aim of the research project is to develop a computer game that can be used to involve citizens in regional planning for the expansion of renewable energies at an early stage. In the long term, the aim is to increase acceptance of the energy transition. Citizens can design their personal, ideal landscape with renewable energies on a playing field and thus not only achieve that their municipality becomes climate-neutral, but also generate income for the municipality, among other things.
The project is still under development. The current status has now been tested for the first time in an initial expert test in Bitterfeld by our project partners from MLU Halle-Wittenberg and TU Munich. The MDR was there and reported on it.
Excerpts from the news report and a report can be found on the MDR website: www.mdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/gesellschaft/computer-spiel-energie-wende-buerger-beteiligung-100.html
Why user experience design is crucial for the success of the energy transition
We are convinced that a good UX can make a significant contribution to the success of socially relevant projects. This is because good UX can help to increase user acceptance and engagement in complex and technical topics such as renewable energy. UX can also help to convey comprehensive content and information to users without prior knowledge in a playful way. All of this can in turn support research.
The first tests have already provided us with information about the content and processes we need to focus on for the next development phase. The next tests will be carried out in autumn not with experts, but with citizens. It remains exciting!
More about the GrowFlowFly project in the Studio Blog: Together for a sustainable future! Start of cooperation with the TU Munich in the joint project GrowFlowFly
More about the participating companies and organisations
- The network partners and their contact personsTechnical University of Munich (TUM) - Prof Dr Sören Schöbel-Rutschmann, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) - Prof Dr Gundula Hübner (Environmental and Social Psychology), RWTH Aachen University (RWTH) - Prof. Dr Dieter Moormann (Institute of Flight System Dynamics), aratall GmbH, Osnabrück - Stefan W. Kauling, https://www.aratall.com/
- The associated project partnersTU Delft, Projekt MEnergie (TH Köln et al.), Kreis Düren, Gemeinde Aldenhoven, Energieavantgarde Anhalt e.V. Dessau, Airborne Wind Europe aisbl - Brussels, regstrom e.V. Halle, Saline Technikum (Berufliches Bildungswerk e.V., Halle Saalkreis), Next2Sun Agri-PV - Dillingen/Saar, Krinner GmbH Agri-PV - Straßkirchen, BayWa r.e. - Projektentwicklung PV DE München, Stadtwerke Düren
